Since 1968, Marge Machay and her predeceased husband Chuck, owned and operated Polonia Ballroom and Grove.  A Chicago landmark, its name was changed to Polonia Banquets in the 1980’s as renovations were made to broaden the business and better accommodate its patrons.  For almost a half century, Marge leveraged the facility to help sustain and promote polka music and dancing.  Crowds from all over the country would travel to enjoy the top polka talent from the USA and Canada featured at Polonia Banquets.  The Machays showcased weekend-long picnics and events that included the International Polka Association’s Festival and Convention and Bel-Aire Polka Days produced by Eddie Blazonczyk.  Now under the management of the Machay family, Polonia Banquets still operates as a hub for world-class polka entertainment while its second floor serves as the IPA Polka Music Hall of Fame Museum.  In addition to managing her business, Marge also served for many years on the IPA Executive Board.

 

For her many accomplishments in the polka industry, Marge Machay has been deemed deserving by the electorate of the International Polka Association for induction into the Polka Music Hall of Fame.